News

November 16, 2022

Meet Alexandra, a Big Sister from our Union College program.

I have been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters on campus at Union College since the start of my sophomore year and have been matched with my Little ever since. She means the world to me. We truly call each other sisters, wish each other happy holidays, email back and forth ceaselessly, and get so excited when we see each other. Not seeing her in person for over a year during the pandemic was devastating and I missed her dearly. Seeing her eyes light up when we video chatted weekly, however, made it all worth it. (My eyes lit up just the same!) Being able to catch up and hear her laugh is always the highlight of my day.

From the deepest part of my heart, I feel I have been blessed by this opportunity. My Little was in such a shell when we first met and seeing her blossom into the young woman she is today has been incredible. She started high school this year and is excelling academically, meeting new people, playing sports, and asking me if I truly believe she can go to college. She is a straight-A student and I inform her of her potential and remind her of her accomplishments every time we talk.

My Little and I have so much in common and could not have been matched more perfectly. I encourage, support, laugh with, and listen to her and she does just the same for me. This has been a mutually beneficial experience and I feel like it has really changed me.

Long story short: I love Big Brothers Big Sisters and I strongly encourage everybody to participate in such a rewarding experience. I genuinely think that my Little and I will be a part of each other’s lives forever.

Over the last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region has recruited 308 potential volunteers from across our four-county region who applied to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Close to 100 of the applicants have passed our extensive background checks, interviews, orientations, and trainings, to be matched to a local child in need of a mentor that has been specifically chosen for them.

Please, help us to recruit more Bigs like Alexandra — Bigs who will empower a young person today and change their lives for years to come. Donate today*!

*All donations of $100+ received Nov 2022 will be entered into a raffle to win a Fall Gift Basket valued at more than $500 and filled with gift items and certificates to Capital Region businesses and venues.